2002 Carnegie Mellon Admissions Chat

MBA: Carnegie Mellon
Admissions Chat (Feb. 13, 2002)

Please feel free to let us know if you would like to be informed of future
chats by sending e-mail to chat@accepted.com.
We would also be interested in knowing if you would prefer a different format
or different topics.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:07:19 PM)
I also want to welcome Laurie Stewart, CMU's Director of Admissions and
Financial Aid, and Pamela Barnhill, CMU alum (2001) and adcom member. And last
but not least, I want to welcome Cindy Tokumitsu and Paul Bodine, two of
Accepted.com's editors.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:07:41 PM)
I encourage dialogue and discussion, but I would like to suggest a structure to
make it easier to follow the threads of conversation. So here is the protocol:
We will post material to the chat. If you have a question on that material,
please type a "?" and then your question. The other participants or I will
reply. If one of you wants to comment on the current topic, please jump right
in. If you want to start a different topic, please type "?".

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:07:49 PM)
You're welcome Laurie

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:07:56 PM)
If the crowd this evening grows and a moderated chat would be more beneficial,
we'll switch to that format to avoid the chaotic feel that some other chats
have had. When we switch to a moderated chat, all your questions will come to
me. I will choose the questions that have the broadest application and those
questions will appear in the main window for our guests to reply to. If and
when we switch to a moderated format, you will only see your question in the
main window if and when it is chosen. You will not see it if it is not chosen.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:08:04 PM)
Final request: We would like to avoid the brief summary of qualifications (or
even the long laundry list) followed by the question, "Can I qualify?" Or "What
are my chances?" This isn't the forum for that kind of question.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:08:11 PM)
Other than that limitation, this is your chance to ask questions about CMU's
program and admissions policies. But I would like to take advantage of my
position as host and ask the first questions.

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:08:51 PM)
One way is to show how Carnegie Mellon is the right MBA program for them
through their essays and an interview if they have it. Besides all the other
qualifications, we're looking for candidates that show they really know
Carnegie Mellon's program and why it is a good choice for them.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:09:28 PM)
That kind of leads to my next question. Part of the "right program" means that
their needs are best met by CMU's strengths. CMU is famous for high-tech. What
are its other strengths?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:10:13 PM)
That's right, Linda. Technology is a strong area within our MBA program;
technology really permeates all areas at the school. But there are other great
strengths. The most popular area of study is finance, and the operations and
entrepreneurship programs are excellent too.

Vera (ID=24) (Feb 13, 2002 9:11:13 PM)
Hello! Laurie- I have just been invited for an interview. Is this a sign that I
am being highly considered for admission or do many applicants get invited?
What % of applicants this year received interviews? What will admissions people
be looking for in the interview?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:11:34 PM)
One great strength of the program is the mini-semester format which allows
students to take a broad range of courses in many areas. Most students graduate
with multiple areas of concentration--based on their interests. Last year, a
typical grad had 3 concentrations. Pam--what were your concentrations?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:13:03 PM)
Vera--being invited for an interview is a positive sign. We try to interview as
many candidates as possible, but we aren't able to interview everyone. The
interview is really straightforward. To prepare--you should be ready to talk
about your background and goals, as well as your leadership and teamwork
experiences. We also want to know why you are interested in Carnegie Mellon's
MBA program.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:13:33 PM)
Pam, what do you think is the best and most distinctive aspect of the CMU
experience? What do you think it needs to improve or what is it working to
improve?

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:14:07 PM)
For me, it was the ability to be part of a collegial environment...small
classes, friendly and personal service. I believe the greatest improvement can
come in the area of Marketing and making the CMU MBA more well-known around the
globe.

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:16:51 PM)
That is tough. I came in with a certain amount of international experience
after living in Asia and Europe pre-MBA....although, working with 40%
international students certainly helps you appreciate the subtle nuances.

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:16:53 PM)
BongSoak--we don't have a deferred admission program for waitlisted candidates.
Students can definitely be offered admission from the waitlist, and others are
successful when they reapply.

Vera (ID=24) (Feb 13, 2002 9:17:03 PM)
I am very interested in the international population of Carnegie Mellon
students. What countries (besides the U.S.) are represented at GSIA? Also is
there an opportunity to study another language (e.g. I would like to improve my
Spanish)

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:17:33 PM)
Vera, we offer Spanish, French, German and Japanese at this time. We currently
have students from 35 countries.

Vega (ID=25) (Feb 13, 2002 9:17:39 PM)
Pamela: Sorry I logged on late, What are you currently doing (you are an alumni
right)?

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:17:41 PM)
I hope this doesn't apply to anyone here, but can rejected applicants obtain
feedback? If so, when and how do they go about it?

CaptainQ (ID=15) (Feb 13, 2002 9:18:13 PM)
?Corporate recruiters have commented that CMU needs to teach its "quantitative
jocks more people skills". Can you comment on this and what you plan to do to
address this?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:18:47 PM)
Pamela--do you want to mention what you'll be doing in the future?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:19:23 PM)
Captain--the program is loaded with opportunities for our students to work on
people, teaming and leadership skills.

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:19:23 PM)
Captain, one thing that is different is a class now offered during Mini 1 of
your first year: ABC. This stands for Analysis of Business Conditions and
teaches you in a case format about Strategy and Organizational Behavior issues
found in different industries. This is largely paper and presentation driven.

Vega (ID=25) (Feb 13, 2002 9:19:28 PM)
?Given the economy as it is, how are prospective GSIA graduates faring in their
job search?

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:20:08 PM)
Sorry....I will be joining an Operations Strategy firm shortly. I was pushed
back about 6 months due to the economy.

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:20:11 PM)
Vega--this year is more challenging than past years, for sure, but our career
placement staff is working even harder to find opportunities for our students.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:20:41 PM)
A follow up to the earlier interview questions: What is the role of the
interview at CMU? Are they blind or has the interviewer reviewed the
application?

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:21:01 PM)
The interviewer has reviewed the app if it has been received. If the app has
not been received, we look at the resume and the first two pages of the app.

BongSoak (ID=21) (Feb 13, 2002 9:21:02 PM)
? How can you weigh on showing his/her interest on CMU? I want to visit the
school, but I am not in a position to do so.

xinyan (ID=13) (Feb 13, 2002 9:21:04 PM)
Laurie, could you please comment on what's the recruiter's impression of the
graduate from CMU? will they have the impression that CMU graduate is technical
oriented?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:21:09 PM)
Linda--we review the application in preparation for the interview, so that we
can ask any questions we have about the application itself.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:21:34 PM)
OK. Thanks.

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:21:48 PM)
BongSoak--we know not everyone can visit the school. Make sure you stay in
touch with us so we know you're interested.

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:22:02 PM)
BongSoak, we certainly encourage you to attend the MBA Forums held (hopefully)
in your country. Where are you?

Vera (ID=24) (Feb 13, 2002 9:22:55 PM)
I have heard that many applicants from the last round are waiting for the end
of this round to hear about admission decisions. Is it possible that applicants
from this round will have to wait until the next time as well?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:22:57 PM)
xinyan--companies know that no matter what area a student is targeting for
their job (marketing, consulting, finance, etc), that they will have excellent
technical skills!

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:23:21 PM)
Do you have any advice for wait-listed applicants?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:24:00 PM)
Linda--general advice for waitlisted students is to make sure we know they're
still interested. Update us about any changes in their candidacy that will help
with our decision--any promotions, accomplishments, new references, test
scores, etc. We re-review waiting list candidates along with every subsequent
application round.

Vega (ID=25) (Feb 13, 2002 9:24:22 PM)
Laurie, follow up on the interview question. Are all admitted students
interviewed (i.e. are there some applicants accepted into the program without
interviewing)?

try (ID=30) (Feb 13, 2002 9:24:23 PM)
hello

xinyan (ID=13) (Feb 13, 2002 9:24:32 PM)
Laurie, what kind of person do you typically put on the waiting list?

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:24:39 PM)
Try we see you.

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:24:49 PM)
Be introspective...think of areas you may be lacking address them: such as
GMAT, TOEFL, promotions at work, English classes you are taking, an additional
recommendation.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:25:47 PM)
How do you evaluate re-applicants? Are re-applicants at a disadvantage or
advantage? When you review the new application, do you have the evaluation from
the previous year's app?

try (ID=30) (Feb 13, 2002 9:25:50 PM)
I met you at Charlotte. I sent in my application on Jan. 31. I would like to
know when I can get an interview set up. Thanks.

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:25:55 PM)
xinyan--if we ask someone to be a member of the waiting list, it means that
they have strong credentials and could potentially be admitted.

raj_tx (ID=26) (Feb 13, 2002 9:26:12 PM)
I think the average work experience is about 5 years. Does having a masters
degree make up for lesser work experience?

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:26:26 PM)
Hi Try! We are still reviewing applications and making decisions on interviews.

BongSoak (ID=21) (Feb 13, 2002 9:26:27 PM)
? Do you consider the number of already waitlisted people when you make a
decision on each round?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:26:45 PM)
Linda--we do have reapplicants every year, with many being successful. Since
reapplicants need to compete vs. the new applicant pool in the second year,
there isn't a real advantage or disadvantage of reapplying, but reapplicants do
benefit from the experience of applying in the prior year--and many take
advantage of feedback opportunities.

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:27:21 PM)
For reapplicants, we review the interview notes and all materials inside the
application. If the student received feedback last year, it is good to see they
addressed those concerns.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:27:36 PM)
What have the successful reapplicants done to be successful the second time
around?

bamboo88 (ID=33) (Feb 13, 2002 9:27:57 PM)
Linda, I have very slow connection. Is it just me? I use road runner.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:28:12 PM)
bamboo88, I don't know why you are having problems. Would you like the tech
support for our chat hosting service?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:28:24 PM)
Linda--successful reapplicants have strengthened their application from the
prior year. The ways to strengthen will vary from person to person, so some
candidates find feedback helpful.

peter (ID=32) (Feb 13, 2002 9:29:03 PM)
Linda, may I ask questions now or should I wait to Q&A?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:29:10 PM)
hi peter--welcome

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:29:12 PM)
This is the Q&A, but thanks for asking.

Markose (ID=20) (Feb 13, 2002 9:29:22 PM)
? What are the pros and cons of applying in the second round (and later rounds)
this year

xinyan (ID=13) (Feb 13, 2002 9:29:44 PM)
Pamela, how's the life in CMU? What do you like about CMU?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:29:45 PM)
Markose--you should apply in the round where you have the strongest possible
application rather than rushing to apply earlier. We plan to have space through
all four rounds.

peter (ID=32) (Feb 13, 2002 9:29:56 PM)
thanks, Hi Laurie, I have heard that CMU sent out invitation for interviews to
everyone with a GMAT of >650 for the R2, is it true?

Markose (ID=20) (Feb 13, 2002 9:30:01 PM)
K

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:30:18 PM)
peter--someone else asked me that--not true at all! We review all of the
application, not just GMAT when we extend interview invites. You could be
invited within a few days of submitting your application, or at any time over
the next few weeks (up till you get a decision from us).

raj_tx (ID=26) (Feb 13, 2002 9:30:30 PM)
hi Laurie, I think the average work experience is around 5 years in CMU , do
you consider part time work experience and will having a masters degree help in
the process?

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:30:34 PM)
Xinyan, Life at CMU is fun too! We have dozens of clubs and 219 people to get
to know on a friendly basis. More activities than you possibly have time for.

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:31:33 PM)
raj--we consider everything in your application when we make a decision. The
typical student has a range of 3-8 years of post-undergraduate experience.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:31:47 PM)
Letters of rec. Do you expect busy recommenders to fill out your specific form?
Do you look negatively on letters sent by the recommender to all the schools an
applicant is applying to and merely attached to your form?

peter (ID=32) (Feb 13, 2002 9:32:02 PM)
Laurie -- could you please explain why some applicants (r2) received
invitations 9 days after they submitted the apps, while others still haven't,
does that mean those who have not received invitations are to be dinged? thanks

xinyan (ID=13) (Feb 13, 2002 9:35:11 PM)
Pamela, could you comment on what kinds of real world project a student could
involve in CMU?

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:36:37 PM)
Xinyan, our project courses are with large and small companies in the
Pittsburgh area within marketing, finance, entrepreneurship and operations
areas. Does that answer your questions?

Vega (ID=25) (Feb 13, 2002 9:36:47 PM)
Laurie, a friend of mine at CMU told me there has been a change in the GSIA MBA
curriculum...a reduction in the number of classes required from 5 to 4? Was
there a reason for doing so?

Markose (ID=20) (Feb 13, 2002 9:36:49 PM)
Xinyan, I was quite fascinated by the concept of the management game. My
friends tell me it is a great experience - real life dynamics

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:37:20 PM)
Vega--that is true. We used to have 5 courses in the fall semester, and we
eliminated one this year. We want to make sure that our students can balance
their classroom activities with all of the other outside the classroom
experiences that make an MBA so valuable for students.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:37:48 PM)
I believe that BongSoak has a question on the floor and Vera also, unless I
missed your replies.

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:37:53 PM)
Yes, Markose. It is an experience, for sure. One that I can't give justice to
here in this format. For a greater explanation, email me at
pwirth@andrew.cmu.edu

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:38:42 PM)
Vera--probably not, both are strong scores and the GMAT is only one part of the
admissions decision.

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:39:20 PM)
Vega, the reason for doing so is that students didn't feel like they had enough
time to be involved in more activities. I had 5 classes per mini and think 4
would have allowed me a large number of luxuries! Of course, you can always
take 5 or 6 classes if you like.

BongSoak (ID=21) (Feb 13, 2002 9:39:45 PM)
No

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:39:51 PM)
I was encouraging a client interested in high-tech and entrepreneurship to
apply to CMU and he was concerned about CMU's Pittsburgh location. He felt a
school in Silicon Valley, the Boston area, or the Research Triangle of the
south or a similar location would offer more opportunity. Could you comment?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:39:54 PM)
can you repeat it for me?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:40:26 PM)
wow--Pittsburgh would surprise your client, Linda! High technology and
entrepreneurship have been driving Pittsburgh's renaissance for the last
several years. Biotechnology, due to the strengths around our university
community have been a particular focus.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:40:36 PM)
Educate us, please!

CaptainQ (ID=15) (Feb 13, 2002 9:40:44 PM)
can you also talk about investment bank opportunities also for your finance
graduates?

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:40:52 PM)
Regarding location. Tech is a difficult area anywhere right now. I believe we
have an Entrepreneurship center and Alumni base to offer students what they
need here.

Vega (ID=25) (Feb 13, 2002 9:44:38 PM)
?Can you give a number on how many grads go into brand/product management?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:44:39 PM)
peter--yes, round 2 is typically the highest volume. We estimate how many
offers to make as the year develops and use a waiting list process if we're
uncertain what the pool will look like later.

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:45:03 PM)
Captain--you can find stats for the class of 2001 on our website at
www.gsia.cmu.edu/mba. It includes details broken by function and industry.

CaptainQ (ID=15) (Feb 13, 2002 9:45:10 PM)
ok thanks!

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:45:13 PM)
Good question. This is found on our website but I'll try and recite a few here:
Booz Allen and Hamilton, PwC, Deloitte, AT Kearney, we always have a handful
that go to BCG, Bain and McKinsey as well.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:46:48 PM)
Do you resent it or appreciate it when applicants who are wait-listed, write
and say "I have heard from School X and have to respond to them by Date Y. Is
there any possibility you could give me an answer before Date Y. I would prefer
to attend CMU."

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:47:24 PM)
I don't resent it. Having been an applicant once, I appreciate the difficulty
in the decision.

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:47:25 PM)
We don't resent it at all, Linda! We just can't always promise an answer in the
timetable they're seeking. We know that a candidate may not be able to wait for
a decision from us if they have an offer elsewhere.

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 9:48:21 PM)
What is a common mistake applicants make in their applications? as wait-listed
applicants?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:49:02 PM)
One common mistake is in the essays--not really answering the question we pose,
for example.

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:49:04 PM)
I see the most common mistake as a person that has received feedback but hasn't
done anything to improve those issue (s) in the last year.

SeanK (ID=36) (Feb 13, 2002 9:49:30 PM)
What is the rate of acceptance for a flex time student @ Laurie ?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:49:57 PM)
Sean--we have a strong applicant pool for flextime, and typically the
acceptance rate is pretty high. I'd say more than 50%, even though the admitted
flextime class and full-time classes have very similar profiles.

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:50:48 PM)
Vera--we have a new study abroad program this year. We also offer 4 languages
as electives within the MBA program, as well as several 'international
business' electives.

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:50:50 PM)
Vera, we have a new program this year. It is geared to spending 7 weeks in 3
locations: Bratislava, Warsaw and Berlin. I can explain more if you like.

peter (ID=32) (Feb 13, 2002 9:51:02 PM)
Laurie - could you brief on what the flex program is? thx

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:51:39 PM)
Yes, I am happy as an Alum. I met some incredible people, learned a lot and
greatly increased my income upon graduation going from Industry to Consulting.

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:51:54 PM)
peter--the Flextime program is an evening version of our MBA for working
professionals in Pittsburgh. Our flextime and fulltime programs are identical,
except for the scheduling.

Vega (ID=25) (Feb 13, 2002 9:51:59 PM)
Pamela, add-on to Linda's question: was there anything you would have done
differently at GSIA?

try (ID=40) (Feb 13, 2002 9:52:29 PM)
hello, Pamela,

peter (ID=32) (Feb 13, 2002 9:52:36 PM)
thx Laurie, yet, can one not originally from Pittsburgh move to Pittsburgh to
attend the flextime program?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:52:50 PM)
peter that does happen from time to time. We have candidates who transfer
within their company to Pittsburgh to do the program, for example.

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:52:51 PM)
NO...except maybe sleep more. I took all the classes, was a Club President, was
involved in just about everything...loved it. Except the last 6 months...then
it was golf time!

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:53:12 PM)
Can I answer a question for you Try?

try (ID=40) (Feb 13, 2002 9:54:36 PM)
I met you in Charlotte. My name is Lin Cao. I talked to you but was not able to
set up an interview. I sent in my application on Jan. 31. I would like to know
when I can have an interview with your program.

xinyan (ID=13) (Feb 13, 2002 9:54:36 PM)
Hi, Laurie, Could you please comment on how CMU develop the soft skills of a
student?

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:54:46 PM)
Vera, we changed the format from a semester abroad to several schools since
many students weren't going. We thought this may be a good option. There are
very few schools that operate on a Mini system which makes semester abroad
difficult.

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:54:50 PM)
xinyan--good question! Students are continuously working on teams, leading
teams, making presentations, etc. We have several required courses and
electives to help students develop their 'soft' skills. One popular elective is
taught by instructor from Carnegie Mellon's world-famous Drama Department
'Acting for Business Students' which helps our students be more effective
communicators, speak in front of an audience, etc.

Vera (ID=24) (Feb 13, 2002 9:55:09 PM)
I have plenty of questions, just did not want to occupy all the time...

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:55:13 PM)
Try, we are still reviewing applications and will get back to you as soon as we
can.

Markose (ID=20) (Feb 13, 2002 9:55:49 PM)
?Pamela as an alumni I want to understand what opportunities you had to take
courses from some of the other schools in CMU

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:56:28 PM)
Markose, I could have taken other classes but with over 100 electives, I never
did. I couldn't take myself away from the Business stuff. But I could have if I
wanted to.

Vera (ID=24) (Feb 13, 2002 9:56:37 PM)
Is it possible that applicants from this round will have to wait until the next
time to hear their admission decisions? Also, what's the acceptance rate of
interviewed applicants?

Vega (ID=25) (Feb 13, 2002 9:56:40 PM)
? this is a silly question, but I'm going to ask it anyway...I've been invited
for an interview: Should dress by strictly formal attire, or is business casual
acceptable?

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:57:13 PM)
Vera, if all your materials were received by Jan 31st you are in 2nd round. I
don't know the stats on interviewed and accepted.

PaulBodine (ID=19) (Feb 13, 2002 9:57:15 PM)
Historically, the percentage of U.S. underrepresented minorities at C-M has
been 5% or lower. What do you estimate it will be for the class entering this
fall?

xinyan (ID=13) (Feb 13, 2002 9:57:27 PM)
Sounds great. Since I'm an international student, I'd like to immerse into the
International business environment ASAP with better soft skills.

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:58:01 PM)
Vera--let me just tag on to Pam's answer. We may have some candidates placed on
waiting list, so they wouldn't get their final decision until later in the
year.

peter (ID=32) (Feb 13, 2002 9:58:30 PM)
what one shall do if WLed?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 9:58:36 PM)
Paul--we believe it will be measurably higher than 5%. This year, we became a
member of the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, which has put
Carnegie Mellon on the radar screen for more candidates.

raj_tx (ID=26) (Feb 13, 2002 9:59:19 PM)
are there any considerations to increase the number of students admitted this
year?

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 9:59:38 PM)
Raj, we plan to keep the number to 220-230 this year.

xinyan (ID=13) (Feb 13, 2002 9:59:42 PM)
Laurie, I beg your pardon please. What do you mean by 5% ? is it the acceptance
rate?

raj_tx (ID=26) (Feb 13, 2002 9:59:44 PM)
thanks

Linda Abraham (ID=17) (Feb 13, 2002 10:00:06 PM)
No, that was the rate of underrepresented minorities accepted to CMU in the
past.

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 10:00:13 PM)
xinyan---no, I was answering Paul's question about the proportion of minority
students at Carnegie Mellon.

Vega (ID=25) (Feb 13, 2002 10:00:27 PM)
Are there activities for spouses of students to be involved in?

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 10:01:26 PM)
Most students live in Shadyside or Squirrel Hill, each within walking distance,
and students can take public bus for free if necessary. Housing is
interesting.....prices don't reflect quality here. I highly suggest coming to
look at it if possible.

xinyan (ID=13) (Feb 13, 2002 10:01:40 PM)
Laurie, could you please advise on the percentage for International women?

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 10:01:41 PM)
Pittsburgh is a great place to live--most students live very close to campus.
Housing is readily available and very affordable!

BongSoak (ID=21) (Feb 13, 2002 10:03:56 PM)
Laurie, how do you proceed the waitlisted when they give additional materials?

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 10:04:00 PM)
Vera, yes, there are many socializing activities going on all the time.

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 10:04:10 PM)
raj--we have been working with various lenders to provide a no-cosigner loan
for international students--haven't reached any agreements as of yet

xinyan (ID=13) (Feb 13, 2002 10:04:15 PM)
Pamela, could you please comment how you feel about CMU, before join the
program, and after?

raj_tx (ID=26) (Feb 13, 2002 10:04:31 PM)
thanks Laurie

peter (ID=32) (Feb 13, 2002 10:04:44 PM)
Pam - How do you look at a US PR or Naturalized citizen who was born and
educated in another country, say, China, vs. an applicant strictly from china?
thx

Lin (ID=41) (Feb 13, 2002 10:04:50 PM)
Thanks. It is confusing because different schools have different way to
interpret the USPR.

Vega (ID=25) (Feb 13, 2002 10:04:58 PM)
If there is club or activity that one wants to start at CMU...is it possible to
do so?

PamelaBarnhillCMU (ID=23) (Feb 13, 2002 10:05:06 PM)
Xin--I had done a TON of research before applying to B--school...about 2 years.
Therefore my expectations were exceeded when I graduated...I knew what I wanted
and I got it.

LaurieStewartCMU (ID=9) (Feb 13, 2002 10:05:06 PM)
BongSoak--we re-review the application and supplementary materials with each
admission round, so when we are reviewing round 2 candidates, we are
re-reviewing round 1 candidates on the waiting list.

xinyan (ID=13) (Feb 13, 2002 10:05:40 PM)
thanks, Pamela. Hope I could have the same experience as you did.